Lucy Powell has brought the Manchester divide into the political arena, telling Manchester United supporters that their chants about City’s alleged cheating have not altered her view of the rivalry.
Powell, the UK Secretary of State for Education and Science and a declared Manchester City fan, addressed United supporters after they had spent the week mocking their neighbours over the accusations facing the club.
“I’m a Manchester City supporter,” she said, describing herself as blue in football but “deeply red” in politics. Turning to the football point, she added: “To all those Manchester United fans who have been shouting all week: you’re still rubbish, and you know you are.”
Powell stands by City’s trophies
The Cabinet minister had already made clear that she does not believe City’s achievements should be viewed differently because of the allegations.
Speaking earlier, Powell said Manchester United had been “a mess in those years, and they still are now”. She also insisted that City’s title wins had been earned in hard-fought campaigns.
“Manchester City’s titles were fiercely contested trophies and I’m proud that we won them,” she said. “I do not think they are tarnished at all.”
